Clark 2026 takes the spotlight at JCI VIP Luncheon in Mongolia

Wednesday, July 9, 2025


Leaders from around the world gather at the JCI Philippines VIP Luncheon during the 2025 JCI Asia-Pacific Conference in Mongolia, paving the way for the 2026 World Congress in Clark, Pampanga.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines, in partnership with JCI Manila and JCI Angeles City Culiat, hosted an exclusive VIP luncheon at the Juulchin Grand Ballroom during the recently concluded 2025 JCI Asia-Pacific Conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The event was designed to build anticipation for the upcoming 2026 JCI World Congress, set to take place in Clark, Pampanga.

The luncheon welcomed over 150 Chief Delegates representing JCI chapters from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Distinguished guests included JCI President Keisuke Shimoyamada, Executive Vice President Mark Joseph David, JCI Philippines National President Felix Venson “Thirdy” Chua, and JCI Mongolia National President Munkhbat Chinbat, among others.

“This luncheon was our way of extending a personal invitation to our JCI brothers and sisters across the region. We’re putting together a dynamic program filled with meaningful activities that celebrate leadership, collaboration, and culture. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Clark come November 2026,” said 2026 JCI World Congress Director, Luis Angelo “LA” Sevilla.

Empowering global connections

The 2026 JCI World Congress is expected to draw over 5,000 delegates from around the world. The event will serve as a platform for young leaders to network, share ideas, and engage in dialogue about global challenges and positive change. It promises to foster unity, business collaboration, and cultural exchange among JCI members worldwide.

With JCI Philippines, JCI Manila, and co-host JCI Angeles City Culiat at the helm, the 2026 congress also seeks to rekindle the energy and legacy of the 1998 JCI World Congress, the last time the Philippines hosted the prestigious event.

Set for November 11-15, 2026, in Clark, Pampanga, the congress marks a significant moment for the Philippines, positioning the country once again as a global hub for youth leadership, innovation, and impact.
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Globe Unveils Gen4 Store at Robinsons Place Manila, Brings Elevated Service and Digital Experiences to More Customers

Globe Gen4 Store

Globe continues to innovate its retail footprint with the reopening of its newly upgraded store, transformed into a next-generation Gen4 store at Robinsons Place Manila. The renovation comes as part of Globe’s commitment to deliver faster, more efficient, and more personalized services to its customers.

The newly launched Gen4 store offers a modern, digital-first space designed to empower customers with convenient access to Globe’s full suite of products and services. It replaces the traditional customer service setup with a more interactive, self-guided experience.

“This new Gen4 store is more than just a retail upgrade. It’s part of our mission to serve our customers better, faster, and in more meaningful ways. Robinsons Place Manila is a key location for us, and this refreshed space ensures that we’re bringing not just connectivity, but also digital lifestyle solutions closer to where our customers are,” said Bam De Guzman, Senior Director for Territory Business at Globe.

Key features of the Gen4 store include:

● Self-service kiosks for fast and convenient transactions like SIM purchase, bill payments, plan applications, and account inquiries.

● 0917 lifestyle corner featuring tech accessories and apparel.

● Interactive screens and demo units for product discovery and testing.

● A more sustainable store design using digital signage, LED lighting, and eco-friendly design elements.


Located at Level 4, Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, the Gen4 store is open daily during mall hours.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.
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Regus to Open First Flexible Workspace in Bohol, Expands to 14 More PH Locations

Regus Center Bohol

  • The new workspace builds on strong momentum for IWG, with a target to open at least 50 Philippine centres by 2025 and an additional 14 newly signed centres.
  • The impressive IWG workspaces are set to be a mix of the Group’s Regus, Spaces and Signature brands, and will feature co-working spaces, private offices, meeting rooms and creative areas
  • The signings coincide with the rising demand for platform working as companies of all sizes increasingly provide employees with access to a network of locations to maintain productivity and employee satisfaction
  • The locations come on the heels of International Workplace Group signing 899 new locations globally in 2024, and posting record revenue, EBITDA and cash generation


International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s largest platform for work with brands including Regus and Spaces, is set to open the first Regus centre in Bohol in October 2025, in partnership with Uptown Tagbilaran Realty Corporation. This launch marks IWG's debut in one of the Philippines' fastest-growing regional economies.

IWG currently operates 39 centres across the Philippines and is rapidly expanding in key growth areas as part of its nationwide expansion plan to operate 50 centres by the end of 2025. The Bohol launch follows recent openings in Pampanga, Batangas, Cavite, Makati and Cebu, as the company deepens its footprint beyond Metro Manila. With the long-term shift to more flexible and decentralized ways of working, IWG is expanding its network to keep pace with rising demand across the Philippines.

Beyond 2025, the company has also signed 14 new Philippine locations, with some sites already operational and others scheduled to launch between Q4 2025 and 2026 - a reflection of accelerating demand and the company’s strong development momentum. These are: 

  • Cebu Exchange Tower – IWG’s third and fourth Regus centres in Cebu
  • Island Central Mall – IWG’s first Regus and first centre in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
  • Asiatown IT Park – A high quality Regus workspace in Cebu City
  • Elijah Hotel and Residences - IWG's first centre in Dasmarinas Cavite
  • Century Diamond Tower – IWG’s Second SPACES centre in Makati
  • The Stiles Enterprise Plaza – IWG’s third SPACES in Makati
  • Laureano di Trevi Towers – A premium HQ centre in Makati City.
  • E-Square Mall – IWG’s first Regus in San Juan
  • Vertis North Plaza – A state-of-the-art Regus centre in Quezon City
  • The Galleon – IWG’s first Signature workspace by Regus in the Philippines
  • Alveo Financial Tower – IWG’s fourth Regus in BGC
  • Kalayaan Building – IWG’s first HQ in Makati
  • Mabuhay IT Park – IWG’s first centre in General Santos City

Notably, the Cebu Exchange Tower and Elijah Hotel and Residences locations are “roll-in” sites, a successful conversion of competitor-operated workspaces, demonstrating IWG’s growing brand strength and ability to win market share.

Regus Centre in Bohol

Regus Center Bohol

Strategically located in the heart of Tagbilaran - Bohol’s capital and gateway city - the new Regus centre will offer flexible workspaces for professionals, startups and businesses across sectors, including tourism and Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM). Tagbilaran is just a 25-minute drive from Panglao Island - known for its world-class beaches, luxury resorts and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport - making it an ideal location for professionals and businesses looking to balance work and leisure. Tagbilaran is also fast becoming a hub for tech companies and startups - fueled by a strong talent pipeline from its 25 universities.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bohol’s economy grew by 6.6% in 2024 with its GDP reaching ₱182.4 billion and the services sector contributing 74%. Complementing this momentum are major infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which is expected to handle up to 3.9 million passengers annually by 2030 - further enhancing the province’s appeal to companies of all sizes.

IWG’s entry to Tagbilaran supports Bohol's transformation and responds to a steady stream of workspace inquiries from the area. As the first global flexible workspace provider to enter Bohol, this launch marks a landmark moment both for the province and for IWG's strategic roll-out of flexible workspaces across a wider range of regional markets in the Philippines.

“This expansion is driven by the real needs we’re seeing from businesses on the ground,” said Rowena Bravo-Natividad, Country Manager for IWG Philippines. “Companies are looking for greater flexibility, accessibility, and quality - especially in fast-growing areas outside Metro Manila. We’re proud to bring IWG’s global standards to more cities across the country.”

IWG’s Expanding Global and Philippine Footprint

IWG plans to operate a total of 50 flexible workspaces across the Philippines by the end of 2025, further strengthening its nationwide presence - with additional locations already in the pipeline for 2026.

“We’re excited about our rapid growth across the Philippines, reflecting the increasing demand for high-quality, flexible workspaces in vibrant regional hubs," said Marc Descrozaille, CEO for Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific at International Workplace Group. “Our footprint outside urban hubs enables us to better serve businesses of all sizes and industries, supporting their growth and agility. We remain committed to delivering high-quality, accessible work environments that empower local communities and contribute to economic development nationwide.”

Responding to the global shift away from traditional office spaces, IWG signed 899 new locations and opened 624 centres reinforcing its position as the partner of choice for property developers, landlords and cities around the world. This rapid growth underscores IWG’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible workspaces that empower communities and fuel economic progress both globally and in the Philippines.

Research by leading academics has found that flexibility in working patterns offers a multitude of benefits for employees, including enhanced work-life balance, financial savings and health benefits. Employers also reap the rewards of hybrid models through increased firm productivity, cost savings, and a more efficient, engaged workforce. In fact, recent research by IWG and workplace consultancy Arup found that hybrid working can boost productivity by 11%. Facilitated by flexible workspaces, hybrid working could add up to $566 billion in GVA to the US economy annually by 2045 – the equivalent GVA of Austin, Texas.

With explosive market growth as companies of all sizes adopt more flexible and decentralized models for hybrid work for the long-term, it is predicted that 30% of all commercial real estate will be flexible workspace by 2030. With International Workplace Group, partners are able to capitalize on this fast-growing sector while being supported by International Workplace Group’s unparalleled experience. Hybrid working offers companies a significantly lower cost base with an average saving of $11,000 per employee.

With over 4,000 locations worldwide, IWG continues to lead the way in providing innovative, flexible working environments. Its multi-brand strategy serves businesses and entrepreneurs of all sizes - from some of the world’s largest and most innovative companies to emerging startups and freelancers, counting 83 per cent of Fortune 500 companies among its customer base.

As the ongoing shift towards more flexible, decentralised and hybrid models of work working accelerates, the potential for further growth is exponential with an estimated 1.2 billion white collar workers globally and a total addressable market of more than $2 trillion.
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From Bicol to the Nation: Southstar Drug Marks 700 Stores in its 88th Year of Quietly Serving Filipino Communities

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Southstar Drug 700th Store

A heartfelt journey of accessible healthcare, one branch and one community at a time

Eighty-eight years ago, a small herbal pharmacy opened its doors in Naga, Bicol. With little fanfare and a deep sense of purpose, Southstar Drug began its journey not to dominate a market, but to make healthcare more accessible to its community.

Today, that same spirit lives on as Southstar Drug opens its 700th store, a new branch inside UP Diliman. The milestone is less a celebration of numbers and more a quiet reaffirmation of what the brand has always stood for: being where it matters, when it matters for every Filipino.

Now, since joining Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., Southstar Drug has continued to build on its long-standing legacy. Founded in 1937, it officially celebrates 88 years of service in 2025—making it the pioneer at the forefront of the entire industry, one of the earliest and most experienced players among Philippine drugstores.

“We’ve grown branch by branch, community by community,” said Thaddeus Sanchez, General Manager of Southstar Drug. “Each store tells a story, and every expansion reflects a promise to serve with compassion and consistency.”

From its roots in the Bicol region, Southstar Drug has steadily built a stronghold in South Luzon and Central Luzon, with key expansions in provinces like Pampanga, where its presence continues to grow. It has also made its mark in Metro Manila, adapting to the evolving needs of urban communities through innovations like drive-thru pharmacies currently available in Muntinlupa, Marikina, and even in Pampanga, as well.

Southstar Drug has stayed true to its mission: bringing quality healthcare closer to Filipino families. Its recent store openings in Masinloc, Zambales (2022), Lagonoy, Camarines Sur (2024), Cauayan, Masbate (2024), and now in UP Diliman, show a brand that goes where it’s needed—even when those areas are far from commercial centers.

Its e-commerce platform is also one of the most expansive in the country— and this ensures that access to medicine is just a few clicks away, even for those outside major cities.


The UP Diliman store symbolizes not just geographical expansion, but a natural and seamless integration into a vibrant academic community. Southstar Drug has supported the University Health Services through annual donations and currently sponsors the UP Track and Field Team, demonstrating how presence can be purposeful without being promotional.

“From the very start, every move we have made was with purpose and concern for our fellow Filipinos. In Lagonoy, residents used to travel nearly two hours just to buy basic medicine,” one Southstar team member shared. “Now, our pharmacy is just a part of their daily walk home. That’s the kind of difference we want to make with each store we open.”

As Southstar Drug continues its steady expansion into Metro Manila, more residents in the city will slowly experience the small-town warmth and care that has long defined its presence in the provinces. Whether it’s a neighborhood branch beside a Shopwise or tucked into a familiar corner near a Robinsons store, Southstar Drug remains a comforting presence bringing not just medicine, but a sense of community, wherever it opens.

With plans to reach 800 stores by 2026, Southstar Drug remains committed to its founding belief: that healthcare should not be a privilege, but a promise—delivered humbly, one Filipino at a time.
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EastWest Earns 2025 Great Place To Work® Certification™

Monday, July 7, 2025


East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) has officially been Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for 2025. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at EastWest. The result points to a workplace where people feel valued, heard, and respected.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that EastWest stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

“This recognition simply puts into words what we’ve always known, that our people set us apart,” said Atty. Juan Alfonso D. Suarez, Chief People, Corporate Services, and Sustainability Officer. “We made a conscious shift to listen better, care deeper, and make things simpler where it matters. That’s what creates real impact. We’re thankful to every EastWestbanker who shows up with purpose and heart.”

The People Advantage Gameplan: A Roadmap to Making People Experience Easy

Putting people first is built into how the Bank operates. The People Advantage Gameplan, a multi-year transformation roadmap, guides efforts to create a workplace where employees can grow, build meaningful connections, and thrive.

The gameplan integrates technology, employee feedback, and a culture of care to reshape how work gets done, by streamlining processes through automation while preserving the value of human connection. People Experience Made Easy reflects this approach. It’s the result of thoughtful design, where everyday tasks are simpler, support is easy to reach, and meaningful conversations are part of daily life.

The journey to certification speaks not only to the Bank’s systems but also to its culture. A culture that listens, adapts, and grows with its people.

Putting People First, in Every Way That Matters

EastWest continues to introduce programs that make the workplace more responsive, inclusive, and genuinely supportive of its people.

  • EastWest Academy builds future-ready capabilities through structured learning programs that support self-paced, interest-driven development.
  • Simplified HR tools such as Talent Starter, HMO Hub, Exit Management, Loans, and the Uniform App were developed in-house to make everyday transactions faster and more intuitive.
  • Recognition and feedback channels—including the new Recognition Framework, VIEW of the Workforce (VOW) survey, EWsapang BarkADS, and Kamustahan with Jerry—encourage appreciation, honest conversations, and shared solutions between employees and leaders.
  • The SHORE, EastWest’s one-stop digital hub, provides easy access to policies, benefits, and support.
  • Cascading the One Filinvest Values strengthens alignment with a purpose-led culture of collaboration and excellence.
  • Celebrating moments that matter through inclusive campaigns, community events, and automated greetings helps every EastWestbanker feel seen, valued, and connected.

Looking Ahead

As part of its future-ready people agenda, EastWest continues to elevate the employee experience through:

  • Predictive people analytics to guide talent and retention strategies
  • AI-powered self-service platforms for faster, more personalized support
  • Company-wide upskilling in automation, data, and agile ways of working to build a future-ready workforce

By becoming Great Place To Work® Certified™, EastWest joins a global community of organizations dedicated to building high-trust, high-performance workplaces. For every EastWestbanker, it’s a shared win, and a reminder that great culture is built from the inside out.

EastWest is Hiring

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great mentor at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

Looking to grow your career at a bank that puts people first? Visit the Bank’s careers page: https://www.eastwestbanker.com/About/Careers
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PLDT Enterprise rallies businesses to be their own first line of cyber defense

Sunday, July 6, 2025

PLDT Enterprise

In today’s digital-first landscape, where cyber threats evolve just as rapidly as the technologies designed to combat them, PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, and ePLDT, PLDT’s ICT subsidiary, are reinforcing their commitment to cybersecurity. Championing efforts to educate, empower, and inspire proactive action toward a safer and more secure cyberspace, the group is urging its clients and customers to transform every employee and leader into a “Human Firewall.”

According to Alexis Bernardino, Field CISO and Cybersecurity Product Head of PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT, respectively, “Fraud schemes like phishing, smishing, vishing, and other similar scams, continue to increase in the Philippines. Given all these dangers, we continue to empower our clients’ workforce to become the first line of defense against cyber threats.”

A Snapshot of the Threat Landscape

The Philippines is one of the most active digital markets in the world and with it comes heightened exposure to cyber threats. Phishing, SMShing, and vishing attacks continue to proliferate, with scammers impersonating executives, hijacking QR codes (quishing), and sending fraudulent messages through messaging apps. These attacks continue to grow with cybercrime economy projected to hit $10.5 trillion globally by 2025, reflecting how valuable digital data has become.

Now, these threats have become local realities: fake CEO messages, spoofed HR announcements, and urgent payment requests are targeting Filipino businesses more frequently. But many times, a simple call to verify a suspicious message can help a company avert a major breach.

#CommittedToCybersecurity: From Awareness to Empowerment

PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT continue to promote a culture of cyber resilience through practical education. By simplifying technical topics and emphasizing everyday action, they provide essential cyber hygiene tips:

  • "Pause, Check, Protect" before clicking on links or responding to unusual requests.
  • Verify identities using trusted communication channels.
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to secure logins.
  • Separate work and personal device usage to prevent crossover risks.
  • Avoid oversharing on social media, which scammers use for reconnaissance.

“At PLDT, we are committed to providing secure systems and building a digital community where vigilance is second nature,” Bernardino shared.

Securing Systems and Strengthening Trust Through Innovation

To support this, PLDT Enterprise, together with ePLDT, delivers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that include protecting employee devices and data, providing professional services to improve organizations’ security postures, and offering AI-enabled managed solutions that identify, analyze, and prevent cyberthreats.

With a proactive cybersecurity strategy shaped by decades of experience, ePLDT’s certified experts lead threat intelligence, detection, and rapid response initiatives, equipping customers with tools, tailored insights, and 24/7 protection from real-world attacks.

From advanced threat detection to real-time incident handling, ePLDT works closely with customers to assess risks, close vulnerabilities, and stay one step ahead of evolving threats.

In addition, PLDT Enterprise, the first and only telco in the Philippines to receive the GSMA Open Gateway API certification, empowers businesses with Silent Authentication, an innovative solution that enhances customer protection by enabling secure, frictionless digital transactions. This eliminates the need for traditional passwords and OTPs by allowing merchants to verify identities directly with the telco network via the Application Programming Interface.

This kind of human-plus-technology approach ensures that cybersecurity involves both the systems in place and the people who use them.

A Shared Responsibility for a Safe Digital Philippines

Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT departments. Everyone has a role to play. “You can't outsource vigilance,” Bernardino emphasized. “Every organization must embed a cybersecurity mindset into the very grassroots of their organizational culture.”

This vision aligns with the broader agenda of sustainable development of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling safe digital access, promoting inclusive education, and protecting economic activities.

“Cybersecurity has now evolved from a technical task to a shared responsibility. Our mission is to embed that cyber-first mindset into every Filipino business, and there is no better time to start than today,” Bernardino said.

To learn more about how your organization can become a Human Firewall, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-committed-to-cybersecurity-pr
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FedEx Expands Export Permit Services Network with 41 New Retail Outlets, Strengthening Support for Filipino SMEs


Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is enhancing its support for Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with significant expansion of its export permit services. Now available at 18 International Parcel Express (IPX) and 23 Airspeed outlets nationwide, this initiative underscores FedEx's dedication to making international shipping more accessible and empowering local businesses to thrive in the global market.

With this strategic development, FedEx export permit services are now accessible at 240 locations nationwide, including 199 2GO outlets, along with 23 newly added Airspeed sites and 18 IPX centers.

Each authorized retail store is fully equipped to assist business owners with crucial documentation and regulatory compliance for international export shipments. This expanded network significantly enhances the availability and convenience of FedEx export permit services for SMEs and e-commerce retailers across the country.

The service encompasses a wide range of items, from fishery products and magnetic media storage devices to consumer goods like medicines, supplements, medical devices, soaps, creams, and toothpaste, as well as repair and return items, and certificates of origin.

This latest initiative is part of FedEx's broader efforts to foster the growth of the Philippine export sector. By streamlining access to international trade, FedEx maintains its role as a trusted logistics provider for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that Filipino products can reach customers worldwide swiftly, reliably, and in full compliance with global standards.

Discover how FedEx is supporting Filipino SMEs here.

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